Ohio State's biggest game of the 2017 season is inching closer as Penn State is set to invade Columbus on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. for a matchup that will likely decide the Big Ten East champion.
Prior to kickoff, though, there are plenty of things going on around campus before foot hits ball on Saturday afternoon. This is your official guide to this week's pregame festivities.
Friday
FS1's First Things First
The new sports talk show on Fox Sports 1 features personalities Nick Wright, Jenna Wolfe and former Ohio State wide receiver Cris Carter, and is setting up shop for its Friday show in the RPAC Plaza, just outside the southeast corner of Ohio Stadium.
The show runs from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., but viewers interested in watching the show live are invited to show up at 5:45 a.m. for check-in. T-shirts and other giveaways are expected to be distributed to lucky fans as well as meet-and-greets with the personalties on set.
Eleven Warriors Friday Night Banger
Can't sleep the night before the big game? Come out to the Buffalo Wild Wings on the corner of Lane Ave. and High Street for the 11W Banger.
The restaurant itself is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., but the Eleven Warriors portion of the night will run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the upstairs area of the restaurant. Admission is $21 (suggested) and gets you two drink tickets. All proceeds go to charity.
Under 21 years of age? No problem. Your admission will get you two non-alcoholic drink tickets and a full menu available. Buffalo Wild Wings is generously donating 20 percent of receipts in our four hour window to charity as well, so come ready to eat, drink and talk Ohio State football with your favorite (or least favorite) Eleven Warriors staff members.
Saturday (Pregame)
ESPN College GameDay (9 a.m. - Noon)
For the second time this season, ESPN's College GameDay is invading Columbus, but will be in a different location.
The GameDay set is relocating to its rightful place on the south side of St. John Arena, with the rotunda of Ohio Stadium in the background. The show, featuring Rece Davis, Lee Corso, Michigan alumnus Desmond Howard and former Buckeye Kirk Herbstreit, runs for three hours leading up to the noon slate of college football games.
If you plan on attending, dress warm. Forecasts for Saturday morning are calling for weather in the low to mid 40s with rain possible. And also wear black, because Ohio State wants you to.
BTN's Tailgate Show (10 a.m. - Noon)
Located in the same spot as First Things First, the Big Ten Network's pregame show runs at the same time as GameDay. The show features host Dave Revise along with analysts Gerry DiNardo, Anthony “Spice” Adams and Michelle McMahon. Former Ohio State quarterback Stanley Jackson, in his first season with BTN Tailgate, is also an analyst on the show.
Fans are invited to enter the viewing area starting at 9 a.m., with free Buckeye Donuts available to viewers from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Much like First Things First, giveaways such as t-shirts, sunglasses and more are expected to be distributed to lucky fans in attendance.
Ohio State Open Basketball Practice
Want to get out of the rain and chilly weather? Head over to the Schottenstein Center, where first-year Ohio State basketball coach Chris Holtmann is holding an open practice from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Admission is free to all fans, with first-come, first-serve seating in the lower bowl available. Doors open at 10 a.m. and parking is available for $20 in the football day-of-game lots. Concessions will also be made available for purchase at the open practice.
